Scans didn't provide "greatest news" for Rodgers

Dec. 3, 2013

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Aaron Rodgers hasnít given up on playing again this season, but it could be at least another week until the Green Bay Packers quarterback is able to do so.

Rodgers will continue practicing in limited fashion this week and hasnít been ruled out for Sundayís game against Atlanta, but thatís far from a guarantee after he wasnít medically cleared to return from his fractured left collarbone on Tuesday.

Backup Matt Flynn, who quarterbacked the Packers to a 40-10 loss on Thanksgiving, will handle the starting reps this week while the team monitors Rodgersí progress.

Rodgers, who sustained the injury against Chicago on Nov. 4, returned to practice last Tuesday on a limited basis, but the question remains whether or not his collarbone could absorb the contact of a game.

ďI canít say this morning was the greatest news because I was hoping for full clearance to get back out there and we didnít get that,Ē Rodgers said on his weekly ESPN Wisconsin radio show. ďItís Tuesday so we have a good amount of time before the game. The last time we played Atlanta at home, I believe I was doubtful on the injury report and found a way to play.Ē

A NFL Network report on Sunday suggested the Packers might consider shutting Rodgers down for the season if they lose to the Falcons on Sunday and the teamís playoff chances evaporate, but neither Packers coach Mike McCarthy nor Rodgers agreed with that assessment.

Internally, McCarthy said there have been no such discussions with Rodgers adding: ďI care about it too much. I've put too much into thisĒ to not play if heís cleared and the Packers are eliminated from the playoffs.

The challenge for Rodgers is balancing the necessity of his immediate return against the possible risk of re-injuring the collarbone or suffering an even greater setback that could

ďI saw the X-ray and scans," Rodgers said. ďI trust Doc (Patrick) McKenzie. When I'm ready to play and everyone is on board, then I'm going to play. After we sat down Tuesday, I haven't had that full clearance. ... I'm definitely not ruling myself out. I know there's a rush to get back out there. I can feel it internally, but also externally, and understand all that comes with that.

"I do desperately want to be back out there, but it has to look the right way."